Discussing three or more media texts USING LANGUAGE TO PERSUADE

For the SAC and exam, you need to… Analyse three or more media texts (VISUALS and WRITTEN) Include some comparison of how language is used in the articles analysed.

There are two ways to discuss three or more media texts Compare and contrast all texts in each paragraph of your analysis (synthesised approach) OR Analyse each text separately (separate approach) but use your introduction to provide an overview of all three pieces and some brief background on the issue. In your conclusion, bring together major points about the ways in which each text uses language, including visual language, to persuade. DECIDE YOUR APPROACH!

This is how you can plan and write the second approach…

STEP 1: Read the media texts carefully and take notes For each text: Identify the main contention or point of view being expressed The tone and any SHIFTS in tone throughout the piece Note the major similarities and differences between the points of view, the main tone and the persuasive devices used in each text. THIS STEP IS THE SAME FOR EITHER APPROACH

STEP 2: Prepare your ideas for writing Complete the WHAT, HOW, WHY for the persuasive devices that enable you to deeply analyse the effect on the reader.

STEP 3: Plan your structure for a separate analysis You need to decide the order in which you will discuss the texts If two texts have similar points of view, analyse these texts first Then consider the text or texts which take a different approach or express a contrasting viewpoint.

For example… IntroductionBrief statement about the background to the issue Introduce media texts by stating titles, form, writer/photographer/illustrator and publication details Contention of each piece Tones in each piece Paragraph 1* Analyse the use of persuasive language in the first media text (this may take more than one paragraph) Paragraph 2Linking word or phrase Analyse the use of persuasive language in the second media text (this may take more than one paragraph) Paragraph 3Linking word or phrase Analyse the use of persuasive text in the third media text (this may take more than paragraph) ConclusionSummarise the main similarities and differences between the ways in which language has been used to position the reader

Analysing images Images do not have the persuasive devices such as rhetorical question Your job is to discuss images in terms of similarities and differences to other texts by analysing the ways in which they support or contradict the effects on the reader of the other media texts that you are analysing. You need to consider how the VISUAL and the WORDS WORK TOGETHER to create a particular effect on the reader.

Words to use in contrasting persuasive effects of visuals with written texts Words to express a similarity between images and written text Words to express a difference between images and written text The image… Supports, reinforces, reiterates endorses upholds, confirms, affirms… the point of view expressed in the article The image… Undermines, contradicts, conveys an alternative message to challenge, calls into question, negates, opposes… the point of view expressed in the article

Language works to create an overall effect Language and visuals can work together to build an overall impression or impact The combination of persuasive techniques can have effects that are very different from, or greater than, their individual effects. Include a paragraph that discusses how persuasive techniques are working together in ANY piece of persuasive writing to create an overall impact and effect on the reader. See page 199 of Insight for example of this.

What now? Decide whether you will write a synthesised analysis or the separate analysis. Draw a flow chart or table that states how you write an analysis Read the sample language analysis on page 197 of Insight Then read the sample SAC on page 201 of Insight PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!